Business

Going to the government, cap in hand

Article Abstract:

The British government announced in Oct 1987 that it would commission a series of studies to investigate liability problems faced by the various professions in England. The studies will cover the nature of the service provided, the duties and liabilities arising from those services, and the availability of professional indemnity insurance. The laws of negligence and the impact of those laws on the cost and quality of professional services will also be considered. The professional liability insurance problem in England has become so serious that the rising costs and decreasing availability of professional services are adversely affecting the public.

How to avoid the trap of insider dealing

Article Abstract:

The growth of Britain's securities markets has created a need for stronger regulation, especially in the area of insider trading. The Company Securities Act of 1985 controls the use of unpublished, price-sensitive information. Procedures for complying with the law and protecting a company's employees and reputation are discussed. The first step is for senior management to set a high standard of financial probity. The company should then set down explicit procedures for employees who are privy to inside information. A final step is to identify individuals responsible for handling sensitive information and preventing abuses.

How can we protect our ideas?

Article Abstract:

Intellectual property rights are protected under British law. The laws are so complex and expensive to enforce that only the largest companies can afford to protect their rights regularly. Smaller companies that are often in greater need of copyright protection are inadequately protected. Forms of intellectual property are copyrights, patents, trademarks, and registered designs. An important second level of property protection is insurance; many insurance companies in England offer policies which cover the costs of pursuing a lawsuit against copyright infringement.